Diss U13’s victory away at Wymondham 35 : 40

The U13’s delivered probably their most comprehensive display of the season.

Both teams were down on numbers with Easter approaching and some schools on holiday. Diss had 12 players and borrowed one from Wymondham (who played his heart out for Diss in a very sporting manner). Equally Wymondham who have c.45 players to draw from had less players than normal.

Through the game Diss always had their nose in front, and even with two late Wymondham tries the final score was Wymondham 35 vs Diss 40 - a result Diss thoroughly deserved.

Diss try scorers were Charlie North (4), one each for Kit and Liam, and 2 by the guest player from Wymondham. However, rather than describe each try in detail the spotlight and praise should be on how the boys were able to craft this result as a team. It was down to rucking, aggression in tackling, and most decisively their passing.

To date the boys have shown that they are up there with the best in rucking - this was the case again today with many turnovers. Equally, their tackling was strong - led by the stalwarts - and with only a weakness in the last part of the match where a few half-hearted efforts let in tries. However, it is the passing that was the decisive factor that delivered the result.

Throughout the season we have said that when the boys learn to pass then they will move to a different level, and so it was today. Pass, pass, pass, from side to side of the pitch. The movement was excellent and opened up many opportunities for tries to be scored. Everyone did it, indeed it soon became the norm to look for someone and keep the momentum going. Let’s hope this eureka moment sticks.

Johnny made Liam the Diss ‘man of the match’ reflecting his return from injury and the commitment and running he showed all over the pitch. Equally, Charlie North was made Wymondham ‘man of the match’ for his aggressive running capped off with a hatful of tries.

Taking a moment to step back - the U13’s ended last year with just 11 players, and with such a small squad would often lose out to teams with bigger pools to draw from. We end this season with a squad of over 20, made up of some very fine players. Individual skills are developing, almost week by week, and as evidenced in this match it is coming together, the team are learning to play, and play to their strengths. It was impressive and it is important that this becomes the team’s DNA for next season when the absent players return.

Well done to everyone. Wymondham were fine hosts, and there was a great turnout from parents...perhaps helped by warmer temperatures that almost felt springlike. Well done boys a fine effort that made us all proud.

Peter Allott

March-18